Replication Data for: Mix and manage: Cultivar mixtures can maintain yield under high wheat blast disease pressure

Wheat blast disease, which began in South America, has now spread to Asia and Africa, posing a serious threat to food security. The first outbreak in Bangladesh occurred in 2016, leading to the release of the blast-resistant wheat variety BARI Gom 33. Although seeds for this variety are limited, it remains crucial due to the ongoing threat of the disease. Our research assessed using BARI Gom 33 in mixture with other varieties under high disease pressure. Over three growing seasons, we tested combinations of BARI Gom 26, BARI Gom 30, and BARI Gom 33 to evaluate disease symptoms and crop yield.
Results showed that while susceptible varieties suffered heavy yield losses, BARI Gom 33 maintained its yield even in mixtures. The mixture containing 67% BARI Gom 33 significantly reduced blast symptoms compared to single stand results.
This study supports the use of BARI Gom 33 as the primary defense against wheat blast in Bangladesh. For farmers unable to access enough BARI Gom 33 seeds, mixing it with less resistant varieties is a recommended temporary solution.